mayor was getting the tour of the new marriott marquee, the largest hotel in the city. although it doesn't open until may of next year it already has more than 500,000 room nights booked. including 18 new conventions that have never been held in washington. 17.9 million people came to d.k. last year. that will increase by tens of thousands of people just by virtue of having a hotel that can accommodate groups that otherwise wouldn't come here for their conventions. >> reporter: the new hotel incorporates a historic brick building that since across 9th street. the hotel was supposed to have been built ten years ago when the center itself opened, but political wrangling and financing delayed the project. the hotel association of washington represents more than 95 hotels in the city. it says the new hotel only strengthens d.c.'s hand against regional and national competition would we're finding the city is still positioned very well. hospitality has been indicated as one of the city's major areas of growth. we have known that for quite some time. >> reporter: in the distri